Part 3/9:
Stepping through the prison gates means entering a world governed by a distinct social hierarchy. New arrivals undergo intense scrutiny, marked by fingerprinting and mug shots, leading to the sobering realization that they are now just another number in a system designed to erode individuality.
Navigating prison life is akin to walking a tightrope. Inmates quickly learn that discussing politics, religion, or mundane preferences can lead to unwanted attention. The prison culture is deeply segregated, with racial lines defining alliances that dictate where one can sit during meals, triggering tensions that could escalate into violence.